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The flight started way too early in the morning, before the wind could pick up. Here, Pilot Alan unloads the balloon and instructs John, James and Joan of the process. The basket is readied and Alan’s inflation Fan (a VENTRY Fan, of course) is rolled into position. Joan attempts to wake up and ponders whether her choice to fly was a good one!
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Alan places his VENTRY Fan and extends the legs to prevent debris being blown into the envelope. He uses a 24-inch, 4.8 hp Honda GX160 model which he stores in a compartment on his truck.
John and Joan hold the throat as the envelope is filled by the Fan. Thanks to the focused, tight cone of air, we have no trouble holding on, and are not in the path of the air.
The balloon grows as the envelope reaches capacity; then Alan fires up the burner and the balloon rises off the ground.
Alan delivers last minute safety instructions before takeoff . . .
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And we’re off! The ground crew quickly packs up and John sets off in the chase vehicle as we launch. |
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After a false start due to wind the previous day, this morning graces us with beautiful weather. We enjoy views of Hauser Lake and the Spokane Valley as we float westward along state highway 53.
(Fun fact: We manufacture our fans and light frames from a location on Hauser Lake. The photo of the lake that we use on the footer of our web pages was during this flight.)
Pilot Alan, Engineer James, and fearful-of-heights Joan enjoy the ride.
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Joan notes a change in perspective as telephone poles, fences, and trees become obstacles, but Alan maneuvers the balloon skillfully to a vacant lot for landing. The center photo is the view from inside the basket after it came to a stop. |
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Joan considers the pile of cloth that carried her several miles then came to rest, safely yet dramatically, back onto the earth. James’s wife and son arrive on scene, and John and James discuss the flight. The balloon is folded carefully and loaded back into the truck for next flight.
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Back at the shop, Alan conducts the traditional first-balloon-ride ceremony for Joan. It involves a brief history of ballooning, drinking champagne without hands, and her “baptism,” which James was happy to facilitate. You can see him in the second picture, preparing to help.
Who says business trips can’t be fun and exciting?
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